Ruger Old Model Pre-Warning Bearcat Value and Date of Mfg?

Good afternoon. I have just acquired a Ruger Bearcat in at least 97% condition. Other than a couple of minor grip dings, the pistol is in mint condition. Serial number is C54X. It has brass triggerguard and dark colored wood grips. Can anyone pinpoint it's date of manufacture? Also, any idea as to value and is it more valuable with the 'C' prefix? It came with a black basket weave western holster rig made by George Lawrence Co, Portland, OR with markings of '130', 'LBSCTD', and '580'. The letters 'N' and 'A' and stamped on the front. Does anybody know anything about the holster (value, date)? I paid $300 for the set. It is beautiful and I am considering keeping the set. It is fully lined so I'm not worried about bluing wear. I am looking for an original box and manual to go with the revolver - probably a hard find, but does anybody know where I might locate one? Thanks for your time and Happy New Year!

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steveno

December 30, 2007, 07:30 PM

Ruger has manufactured dates on their website

Hud

December 30, 2007, 07:43 PM

According to Ruger's web site:
http://ruger.com/Firearms/PS-SNH-RE-Bearcat.html
it looks like it dates from 1958, the first year they were made.

Regards, Hud

sentinel89

January 2, 2008, 07:36 PM

Thanks for the help! Unfortunately, after viewing many pics, it appears the prvious owner filed down the front sight. So I was wrong on my initial condition estimate - probably not even 80% now just because of the sight alteration.

I called Ruger and inquired about the sight being repalced. They asked if I wanted the safety conversion - to which I said no and they told me they wouldn't even look at the gun without doing the conversion first. I was told they would fix the sight at no charge if they did the conversion. Trouble is - it will cost me $40 just to overnight it to them. I live an hour from their plant, and asked about dropping it off myself to which I was told no. So, I'll just keep it and maybe I can get my daughter interested in shooting with it when she's old enough.

The holster was made by George Lawrence in Portland, OR in 1959. It was custom ordered by the previous owner.

Thanks again for your help.

musher

January 2, 2008, 08:26 PM

Sentinel89,

I believe they will return your parts when they do the safety conversion. I think you can have them do the work, then 'unconvert' the gun when you get it back.

GrandmasterB

January 3, 2008, 12:11 PM

Musher is right -- let Ruger fix your gun and they will return your original parts when they install the transfer bar safety. If you intend to carry and shoot this Bearcat, the conversion isn't a bad thing. If you want it to be more of a collector piece, re-install your original parts after Ruger sends it back to you.

Bearcats are great little revolvers. My 6-year-old little girl just got to shoot hers for the first time over the holidays, and she hit the target almost all the time, which is pretty good for a first timer.

eliphalet

January 3, 2008, 12:27 PM

Your's is a quite early gun, you did good. Ask about it over at the Ruger forums, some of those guys are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to Rugers.

Boxes can be had on Ebay at times but thay don't come cheap.

http://www.rugerforum.org/phpBB/

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